Author: Messari, Source: Messari crypto thesis 2025; Translated by 0xjs@Golden Finance

To celebrate a remarkable year in the cryptocurrency space, we are launching the inaugural Annual Messari Awards. In this section, we highlight some of the best protocols and individuals in their respective categories based on their contributions to cryptocurrency in 2024. All results are voted on by the Messari team.

Rookie of the Year

Our Rookie of the Year Award is given to the most groundbreaking crypto protocol of the year.

pump.fun launched in January 2024 and quickly made waves in the cryptocurrency world. This launchpad is now the highest-grossing launchpad on Solana, with trading volume continuing to grow. Without pump.fun, we wouldn't have GOAT, PNUT, FART, ZEREBRO, MOODENG, and many of our other favorite tokens this year. It is safe to say that this application has forever changed the token issuance game, and we are excited to see what pump has in store for us as it enters its second year. Pump.fun is Messari's Rookie of the Year for 2024.

Layer 1 of the Year

Annual L1 Award for the best L1 performance in 2024.

2024 is the year of Solana. Fueled by a vibrant community of users and applications, the Solana network delivered lightning-fast performance and low transaction costs under high activity loads in 2024. The emergence of the memecoin culture on Solana has sparked a thriving new crypto sector, showcasing the network's inherent advantages. As Solana's metrics continue to grow exponentially, it sets the standard for the look and feel of modern L1 blockchains. Congratulations to Solana for winning the Annual L1 Award from Messari.

Annual DeFi Protocol

The DeFi Protocol Award is given to the best performing DeFi application in 2024.

Hyperliquid's order book has redefined the boundaries of on-chain possibilities. With sustained growth in trading volume, open contracts, and user adoption, the protocol is becoming one of the key leaders in DeFi's battle for centralized exchange market share. Looking ahead to 2025, we are eager to see the continued evolution of the L1 ecosystem.

DePIN Protocol of the Year

Annual DePIN Protocol Award for the best performing DePIN protocol in 2024.

Helium has redefined the DePIN landscape, proving that cryptocurrency can drive real-world value and utility. Since its launch in December 2023, the number of Helium Mobile users has surged to over 120,000, offering the most affordable unlimited data plan on the market for just $20 a month. Additionally, Helium's groundbreaking operator program supports an average of 250,000-300,000 users daily for some of the largest mobile carriers in the U.S., showcasing its ability to transform connectivity infrastructure. With its innovation, impact, and ability to connect cryptocurrency with the 'real world,' Helium is named the DePIN of the Year for 2024.

Consumer Application of the Year

The Consumer Application of the Year Award is given to the best performing consumer application in 2024.

Polymarket has proven that on-chain prediction markets will exist for the long term, registering nearly 1 million new accounts in this election year. In terms of demand, users have invested billions of dollars in the election market, catching up with off-chain prediction markets. Meanwhile, the real-time probabilities of election outcomes derived by Polymarket have been widely cited by mainstream media and have become a major source of objective news. For anyone looking to bet on the election or just to stay informed, Polymarket is the preferred destination.

Memecoin of the Year

The Memecoin of the Year Award is given to the best performing memecoin in 2024.

While GOAT is not the biggest memecoin this year, it is likely the most influential. Its incredible lore, integration with artificial intelligence, and impact on one of the most exciting new metadata in cryptocurrency have captured everyone's attention. If AI agents and their respective memecoins continue to capture attention in 2025, GOAT will forever be cemented as the pioneer of it all.

Account of the Year

Our Annual X Account Award is given to the best performing Crypto Twitter (CT) member in 2024.

This is a highly competitive award, but ultimately, only the AI agent could stand out. @aixbt_agent grew its account following to over 100,000 in less than a month while consistently ranking high in Kaito's influence rankings. This agent's tireless analysis, constant replies, and ever-growing alpha pool are rapidly becoming a must-follow for anyone on CT.

Most Active Fund

The Most Active Fund Award is given to the venture capital fund that completed the most trades in 2024.

Animoca Brands led this year with 107 trades. Although Animoca typically focuses on consumer and gaming, its portfolio has diversified over time, investing in various categories including DePIN and AI.

Token of the Year

The Annual Token of the Year Award is given to the token that experienced the most unexpected price reversal in 2024.

After facing relentless FUD in previous years, SOL made an astonishing turnaround in 2024, with its token price experiencing one of the most dramatic reversals in market history. The token reached an all-time high by the end of this year and currently ranks among the top 5 most valuable tokens in the cryptocurrency space.

Annual Investment Fund Blog

The Investment Fund Blog Award is given to the liquidity fund or VC blog that published the best content in 2024.

Syncracy Capital's content this year has been outstanding, providing a wealth of knowledge on various topics. We particularly appreciate their blog's contrarian and forward-looking perspectives, challenging existing views and offering new frameworks. From pushing the market to reduce focus on infrastructure to more attention on applications, to continually defining the narrative of Solana, Syncracy Capital has driven key conversations across the industry.

Annual Independent Analyst

The Independent Analyst Award is given to the independent analyst who published the best content in 2024.

In 2024, Kel's profound insights as an independent analyst shone brightly. His posts about the memecoin supercycle and recent substack articles are among the best free content in the field.

Person of the Year

The Person of the Year Award is given to the most influential individual in the cryptocurrency space in 2024.

Michael Saylor needs no introduction. From doubling down on Bitcoin investments with MicroStrategy to articulating the quippy lines we will practice in the coming years, Michael Saylor ensures everyone knows his stance. His unwavering belief in Bitcoin and relentless advocacy make him a polarizing yet undeniable force in the space. This year may be his best yet, and he rightfully celebrates his victories. There is no second-best protagonist.